Largely: Definition and Part of Speech
The word largely is an adverb used to indicate a substantial amount or extent of something. It often suggests that most but not all aspects or elements are included. This word helps express the degree to which something is true or occurs, implying that while it’s significant, there may be exceptions or additional factors.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table showcasing core synonyms for “largely,” along with their nuances and example usages in various registers:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primarily | Indicates the main or most significant aspect. | “The project was primarily funded by private donations.” | Formal/Informal |
| Predominantly | Suggests the dominant factor, more than others. | “Predominantly, our focus is on sustainability issues.” | Academic/Business |
| Mostly | General term for a large portion but less formal. | “Mostly, I prefer working from home because it’s quieter.” | Casual/Informal |
| Chiefly | Indicates the chief or main aspect among others. | “The conference was chiefly attended by experts in renewable energy.” | Academic/Formal |
Usage Notes
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Primarily: This synonym is suitable for both formal and informal contexts where you want to emphasize that something is of greatest importance or most significant among other factors.
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Predominantly: Often used in more academic or professional settings, it emphasizes the primary nature of a factor compared to others.
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Mostly: A casual alternative that works well in everyday conversation when discussing general preferences or observations without needing precise formality.
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Chiefly: This term is typically reserved for formal contexts where an emphasis on main elements or aspects is required, such as in academic papers or official reports.
Common Pitfalls
One common mistake with synonyms of “largely” involves their level of formality. For example:
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Using mostly might be seen as too informal in a business report, whereas primarily or predominantly could fit better.
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Confusing predominantly and chiefly, both indicating dominance, yet with subtle differences: “Predominantly” can imply that other factors are present but less significant, while “chiefly” often indicates a more singular focus.
Final Recap
“Largely” is an adverb describing the extent to which something occurs or applies. Its synonyms—primarily, predominantly, mostly, and chiefly—offer nuanced ways to express this idea depending on context and formality.
- Primarily focuses on importance.
- Predominantly stresses dominance among factors.
- Mostly is a casual term for a large portion.
- Chiefly highlights the main element formally.
To expand your vocabulary effectively, try integrating these synonyms into writing and conversation to see which fits best in different contexts. Experiment with crafting sentences or discussing topics using these alternatives to gain confidence and versatility in language use.